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The 5 R’s of Digestion:

Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance

The 5 R’s of Digestion:

Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance

The 5 R’s of Digestion:

Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance

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Remove, Replace, Reinoculuate, Repair, Rebalance


A healthy digestive system is vital for good health. Issues with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can go beyond stomach discomfort, bloating, and changes in stool presentation. In fact, research suggests that GI issues can affect other chronic health problems that may be seemingly unrelated, like autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes), skin problems (eczema, acne rosacea), allergies (hives, rashes), and even heart disease. 

Functional medicine adopts the “5Rs” program: Remove stressors, Replace digestive elements, Reinoculate with beneficial bacteria, Repair the GI tract, and Rebalance lifestyle choices. This comprehensive approach addresses underlying causes, leading to significant symptom improvement and sometimes complete issue resolution. The 5Rs involve eliminating harmful factors, restoring essential elements to digestion and nutrient absorption, promoting beneficial bacteria, providing nutrients for healing, and considering lifestyle impacts on the GI tract. It’s a holistic strategy for managing the broader implications of digestive health on overall health.

  1. Remove – Remove stressors. Eliminate factors negatively impacting the GI tract environment, like allergenic foods and harmful organisms such as bacteria or yeast. This can entail adopting an allergy “elimination diet” to identify problematic foods or using medications and herbs to target specific pathogens.
  2. Replace – Restore essential digestive components like enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids, necessary for proper digestion. These elements may be compromised by factors such as diet, medications, diseases, aging, or other influences. Replenishing them supports optimal digestive function.
  3. Reinoculate – Foster the growth of beneficial bacteria by consuming probiotic foods or supplements containing “good” GI bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species. Probiotics are crucial after antibiotic use, which can deplete both good and bad bacteria. In addition, include high soluble fiber foods, known as prebiotics, that provide nourishment for these beneficial microbes. Prebiotics, found in foods like artichokes, garlic, leeks, onions, chicory, tofu, and grains such as barley, flax, oats, and wheat, selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the colon. Consider supplements like “fructo-oligosaccharide” (FOS) for additional prebiotic support.
  4. Repair – Support the repair of the GI tract lining by providing essential nutrients often deficient in disease states. Include zinc, antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, fish oil, and the amino acid glutamine. These key elements play a crucial role in promoting healing and restoring the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining.
  5. Rebalance – Consider lifestyle choices, as sleep, exercise, and stress directly impact the GI tract. Prioritize sufficient sleep, engage in regular exercise, and manage stress levels. A balanced lifestyle contributes to overall gut health, promoting a harmonious environment for optimal digestion and well-being. 

Why consider this “5R” approach? Because it’s more than just addressing digestive concerns; it’s a comprehensive approach that provides significant well-being improvements. 

Your well-being is our priority, and with the support of Dr. James, you are empowered to take control of your health journey and embrace vitality at every stage of life. Take the first step towards feeling better and achieving lasting wellness through a personalized and transformative journey towards optimal living. 

About Dr. James Yoon

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Dr. Yoon is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Downtown Toronto but also provides virtual consultations to patients across Ontario. He focuses on a functional medicine approach to healthcare, identifying underlying conditions contributing to individuals’ symptoms and using natural, scientifically-proven solutions to improve their health. Dr. Yoon is a clinician, researcher, medical educator, and speaker.

Learn more about Dr. James Yoon

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